Solid-State LiDAR Beam Steering and Angle Expansion Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face issues such as mechanical fragility, limited vertical resolution, high cost, and insufficient detection range due to rotational parts, and the all-solid-state LiDAR systems using LCoS face challenges in scanning speed, diffraction efficiency, and limited scanning angles.
Innovation Solution
A full solid-state non-rotational LiDAR system with a laser source, beam steering element, and scanning-angle expanding lens set is introduced, allowing for the generation of multiple laser beams and increased scanning speed, along with a phase deflection angle database to determine scan strategies and fill gaps between beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LCoS spatial light modulator is used for all-solid-state LiDAR, then mechanical stability is improved, but scanning speed deteriorates (20-100 Hz vs kHz for MEMS)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function by generating multiple laser beams (at least two) simultaneously through the beam steering element, rather than scanning a single beam sequentially. This parallel beam generation approach enables the system to achieve both mechanical stability of solid-state and improved scanning coverage speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scanning-angle expanding lens set that operates in the angular dimension to expand the scanning field of view. By adding this optical dimension for angle expansion, the system compensates for the slower modulation speed of LCoS while maintaining solid-state mechanical stability.
2Device complexity
If LCoS phase spatial light modulator is used, then solid-state integration is improved, but diffraction efficiency deteriorates (less than 10%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scanning-angle expanding lens set as an intermediary optical element between the LCoS modulator and the target. This lens set compensates for the low diffraction efficiency by expanding the angular coverage, effectively mediating between the modulator's limitations and the system's scanning requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical diffraction theory is applied, then phase control precision is improved, but scanning angle deteriorates (generally less than 11 degrees)
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning-angle expanding lens set serves as an intermediary that decouples the phase control function from the angle expansion function. The LCoS maintains precise phase control while the lens set expands the scanning angle beyond the theoretical 11-degree limitation of direct diffraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an optical dimension through the scanning-angle expanding lens set that operates independently from the phase modulation dimension. This allows the system to achieve large scanning angles while preserving the precision benefits of phase-controlled modulation.
4Device complexity
If single laser beam is used, then system simplicity is improved, but scanning coverage and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light beam into multiple parallel beams (at least two) using a beam steering element. This segmentation allows simultaneous illumination of multiple areas, dramatically improving scanning coverage speed while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple laser beams through the scanning-angle expanding lens set to achieve coordinated scanning coverage. By combining the beams in a controlled manner, the system achieves enhanced productivity while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances scanning speed and range, raising the frame rate and expanding scanning angles beyond the limitations of conventional systems, reducing scan time by up to 32 times with improved beam diameter and number of light beams.
Implementation Method 1
the phase control is limited theoretically in the optical diffraction theory
Implementation Method 2
The scanning-angle expanding lens set, adjacent to the beam steering element, is configured to receive and integrate the at least two laser beams
Data Source
AI summary
A light emission module includes a laser source, a beam steering element and a scanning-angle expanding lens set. The laser source is used for emitting a laser beam. The beam steering element is used for receiving the laser beam and splitting the laser beam into at least two laser beams. The scanning-angle expanding lens set, adjacent to the beam steering element, is configured to receive and integrate the at least two laser beams, and to control a spanning angle and a scanning angle between the at least two laser beams on a scanned object. The spanning angle is a visual angle of a vertical scan direction of the scanned object, and the scanning angle is another visual angle of a horizontal scan direction of the scanned object. In addition, a light emission module and a light scanning method are also provided.